The Not So Secret Santa, Toys for Tots [VIDEO]
/
Thanks to sponsors and donors, Toys for Tots of Klamath Falls is able to help over 3,000 children this Christmas. December 21, 2018. (Brian Gailey)
Toys for Tots helps over 3000 children this Christmas
Starting at 9:00 AM this morning [12/21/18], volunteers began helping distribute toys for Klamath Basin families in need. Like Santa’s Elves, they pair up with a parent, grandparent, or guardian to escort them through the distribution center. Each child they help is allowed one large toy, two small toys and several other special goodies for stocking stuffers.
Items on the tables range from remote control cars to Legos, scooters to music players. There are even tables of perfume, jewelry, and glittery goodness for girls. Some of the stocking stuffers include a Nerf football and a Super Mario fidget spinner, among others.
Families are able to receive help with Christmas toys thanks to Toys for Tots. December 21, 2018. (Brian Gailey)
A few children will receive a special gift such as a bicycle donated by the Rip City Riders or Crossfit Hogback.
“Our gym collected cash donations from our members,” says AJ Davila, Owner of Crossfit Hogback. “We came together and used that cash to purchase bikes. We hope that kids get an opportunity to be healthy and ride. Next year we hope to hold a more active role and possibly provide, jump ropes and other items of that nature.”
“This was the largest toy drive we have ever done,” said Mike Germolus, Vice President of Rip City Riders Oregon.
In just their toy drive alone, the Rip City Riders along with Lithia Ford, WalMart, Klamath Energy, Diamond Home Improvement, Road Brothers MC and Alky Angles MC donated over $4750 worth of toys, bicycles, games, stuffed animals and more for Toys for Tots.
Numerous other donating business, sponsors and individuals filled the donation center with thousands of toys for Klamath Basin children to receive this Christmas.
“I just want to say thank you to our generous sponsors and donors,” says Joann Morrer, Coordinator of Toys for Tots Klamath Falls. “We are on pace to help over 3,000 children this year.”
Toys for Tots distribution for Lake County was on December 14th.
The trend of growth in need and donations continues this year. December 21, 2018. (Brian Gailey)
Growth in Need and Donations
Toys for Tots of Klamath Falls continues to see growth in both the need for toys and the donations of toys. Numbers on both sides are up over last year.
“We have had more need than we did last year,” says Morrer. “But we do have a lot of toys and goodies for everyone.”
The Toys for Tots organization wishes to have as many toys distributed as possible. Often, extra undonated toys remain and are held until the next year. Morrer states, “This year all remaining toys will be taken to Chico, California to help with families that have lost everything in the Camp Fire. The director down there is overwhelmed by the need, and we are going to go help.”
“We will be heading down as soon as we are loaded Saturday evening, we will help distribute the remaining toys to families in need, in Chico on Sunday and will continue through Christmas,” continues Morrer.
Distribution / Donation
Toys for Tots Klamath Falls will continue distribution to those pre-registered through 7:00 PM tonight. Distribution will also continue through 4:00 PM tomorrow (Saturday, December 22, 2018).
Donations of new unwrapped toys are still being accepted at the distribution center located inside the former Sports Authority store on South 6th Street in Klamath Falls. Whatever toys remain after tomorrow, including those recently donated, will be delivered and distributed in Chico.
More Images
